Stalcup School of Theology for the Laity
The School is open to all who want to continue learning and growing through biblical study, exploration of contemporary issues from a faith perspective, interfaith dialogue, and critical thinking about the basis of Christian understanding of God, humanity, and the world. Top scholars with a heart for the church bring their expertise and passion for sharing that knowledge with people engaged in ministry and those who simply want to learn.
The School is made possible by the generosity of SSTL’s former Dean, Joe Stalcup, and his wife, Nancy Vaughn Stalcup, and the gifts of others who share their commitment to theological education.
44th Series of The Stalcup School of Theology for the Laity
September 2021 through April 2022
A Proud Heritage Continues…But in a New Way The forty fourth series seeks to combine the in-person experience with the new online format to continue the efforts of the School in offering adult lay persons a variety of opportunities to strengthen the basis of their commitment to Jesus Christ and the church, to learn how to better understand the intersections of life and faith and how to prepare more effectively for work in service to God and humanity. The School is made possible by the generosity of SSTL’s former Dean, Joe Stalcup, and his wife, Nancy Vaughn Stalcup, and the gifts of others who share their commitment to theological education.
Seminars – Online
The Misuse and Abuse of Christian Symbols: The Rise of American Christian Nationalism
Fourteenth W. A. Welsh Seminar
Saturdays, April 2 and 9, 9:30 am to 11:00 am (Central Time)
ONLINE
This seminar will explore the creation of the idea of a Christian America, how this notion has created a confusion between public expressions of a peculiarly American faith and Christianity itself, and how, since the 1970s, the idea has been politicized by Christians and non-Christians alike in order to seek a modern system designed to protect or legislate particular political values associated with it.
Mark Toulouse retired from the University of Toronto in 2017 after serving 9 years as Principal at Emmanuel College (a theological school associated with the United Church of Canada). He and his wife, Jeffica, now live in Fort Worth, Texas. Prior to Toronto, he taught for more than two decades at Brite Divinity School, and served as a dean there for 11 years. He twice received (1999 and 2007), by vote of his colleagues at Brite, the Catherine Saylor Hill Award for Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research. He is a historian who specializes in the topics of religion and culture, and religion and public life, both in the United States and in Canada, in theological education, and in Disciples history and theology. Dr. Toulouse holds a PhD from The University of Chicago Divinity School (named “Alumni of the Year” for 2018) and is the author of ten books, including such titles as The Transformation of John Foster Dulles (1985); Joined in Discipleship (1992, and 1996); Makers of Christian Theology in America (1997), God in Public (2006), Renewing Christian Unity (2010), and The Altars Where We Worship (2016).
retired from the University of Toronto in 2017 after serving 9 years as Principal at Emmanuel College (a theological school associated with the United Church of Canada). He and his wife, Jeffica, now live in Fort Worth, Texas. Prior to Toronto, he taught for more than two decades at Brite Divinity School, and served as a dean there for 11 years. He twice received (1999 and 2007), by vote of his colleagues at Brite, the Catherine Saylor Hill Award for Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research. He is a historian who specializes in the topics of religion and culture, and religion and public life, both in the United States and in Canada, in theological education, and in Disciples history and theology. Dr. Toulouse holds a PhD from The University of Chicago Divinity School (named “Alumni of the Year” for 2018) and is the author of ten books, including such titles asMark Toulouse retired from the University of Toronto in 2017 after serving 9 years as Principal at Emmanuel College (a theological school associated with the United Church of Canada). He and his wife, Jeffica, now live in Fort Worth, Texas. Prior to Toronto, he taught for more than two decades at Brite Divinity School, and served as a dean there for 11 years. He twice received (1999 and 2007), by vote of his colleagues at Brite, the Catherine Saylor Hill Award for Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research. He is a historian who specializes in the topics of religion and culture, and religion and public life, both in the United States and in Canada, in theological education, and in Disciples history and theology. Dr. Toulouse holds a PhD from The University of Chicago Divinity School (named “Alumni of the Year” for 2018) and is the author of ten books, including such titles as The Transformation of John Foster Dulles (1985); Joined in Discipleship (1992, and 1996); Makers of Christian Theology in America (1997), God in Public (2006), Renewing Christian Unity (2010), and The Altars Where We Worship (2016).
(1985);Mark Toulouse retired from the University of Toronto in 2017 after serving 9 years as Principal at Emmanuel College (a theological school associated with the United Church of Canada). He and his wife, Jeffica, now live in Fort Worth, Texas. Prior to Toronto, he taught for more than two decades at Brite Divinity School, and served as a dean there for 11 years. He twice received (1999 and 2007), by vote of his colleagues at Brite, the Catherine Saylor Hill Award for Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research. He is a historian who specializes in the topics of religion and culture, and religion and public life, both in the United States and in Canada, in theological education, and in Disciples history and theology. Dr. Toulouse holds a PhD from The University of Chicago Divinity School (named “Alumni of the Year” for 2018) and is the author of ten books, including such titles as The Transformation of John Foster Dulles (1985); Joined in Discipleship (1992, and 1996); Makers of Christian Theology in America (1997), God in Public (2006), Renewing Christian Unity (2010), and The Altars Where We Worship (2016).
(1992, and 1996);Mark Toulouse retired from the University of Toronto in 2017 after serving 9 years as Principal at Emmanuel College (a theological school associated with the United Church of Canada). He and his wife, Jeffica, now live in Fort Worth, Texas. Prior to Toronto, he taught for more than two decades at Brite Divinity School, and served as a dean there for 11 years. He twice received (1999 and 2007), by vote of his colleagues at Brite, the Catherine Saylor Hill Award for Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research. He is a historian who specializes in the topics of religion and culture, and religion and public life, both in the United States and in Canada, in theological education, and in Disciples history and theology. Dr. Toulouse holds a PhD from The University of Chicago Divinity School (named “Alumni of the Year” for 2018) and is the author of ten books, including such titles as The Transformation of John Foster Dulles (1985); Joined in Discipleship (1992, and 1996); Makers of Christian Theology in America (1997), God in Public (2006), Renewing Christian Unity (2010), and The Altars Where We Worship (2016).
(1997),Mark Toulouse retired from the University of Toronto in 2017 after serving 9 years as Principal at Emmanuel College (a theological school associated with the United Church of Canada). He and his wife, Jeffica, now live in Fort Worth, Texas. Prior to Toronto, he taught for more than two decades at Brite Divinity School, and served as a dean there for 11 years. He twice received (1999 and 2007), by vote of his colleagues at Brite, the Catherine Saylor Hill Award for Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research. He is a historian who specializes in the topics of religion and culture, and religion and public life, both in the United States and in Canada, in theological education, and in Disciples history and theology. Dr. Toulouse holds a PhD from The University of Chicago Divinity School (named “Alumni of the Year” for 2018) and is the author of ten books, including such titles as The Transformation of John Foster Dulles (1985); Joined in Discipleship (1992, and 1996); Makers of Christian Theology in America (1997), God in Public (2006), Renewing Christian Unity (2010), and The Altars Where We Worship (2016).
(2006),Mark Toulouse retired from the University of Toronto in 2017 after serving 9 years as Principal at Emmanuel College (a theological school associated with the United Church of Canada). He and his wife, Jeffica, now live in Fort Worth, Texas. Prior to Toronto, he taught for more than two decades at Brite Divinity School, and served as a dean there for 11 years. He twice received (1999 and 2007), by vote of his colleagues at Brite, the Catherine Saylor Hill Award for Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research. He is a historian who specializes in the topics of religion and culture, and religion and public life, both in the United States and in Canada, in theological education, and in Disciples history and theology. Dr. Toulouse holds a PhD from The University of Chicago Divinity School (named “Alumni of the Year” for 2018) and is the author of ten books, including such titles as The Transformation of John Foster Dulles (1985); Joined in Discipleship (1992, and 1996); Makers of Christian Theology in America (1997), God in Public (2006), Renewing Christian Unity (2010), and The Altars Where We Worship (2016).
(2010), andMark Toulouse retired from the University of Toronto in 2017 after serving 9 years as Principal at Emmanuel College (a theological school associated with the United Church of Canada). He and his wife, Jeffica, now live in Fort Worth, Texas. Prior to Toronto, he taught for more than two decades at Brite Divinity School, and served as a dean there for 11 years. He twice received (1999 and 2007), by vote of his colleagues at Brite, the Catherine Saylor Hill Award for Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research. He is a historian who specializes in the topics of religion and culture, and religion and public life, both in the United States and in Canada, in theological education, and in Disciples history and theology. Dr. Toulouse holds a PhD from The University of Chicago Divinity School (named “Alumni of the Year” for 2018) and is the author of ten books, including such titles as The Transformation of John Foster Dulles (1985); Joined in Discipleship (1992, and 1996); Makers of Christian Theology in America (1997), God in Public (2006), Renewing Christian Unity (2010), and The Altars Where We Worship (2016).
(2016).Marvelous Myths: Theological Perspectives on the Perils and Promise of Marvel Superheroes
Saturday, April 23, 9:30 am to 11:00 am (Central Time; plus online content to be viewed prior to the sessions.)
ONLINE
Russell W. Dalton is Professor of Religious Education at Brite Divinity School. Before coming to Brite, he served as the G. Ernest Thomas Professor of Christianity and Communication at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, and Director of United’s Master of Arts in Religious Communication degree program. An ordained American Baptist minister, Dalton served several congregations prior to pursuing doctoral studies. Dr. Dalton has written numerous books and articles, including Marvelous Myths: Marvel Superheroes and Everyday Faith, for which he interviewed Stan Lee, Chris Claremont, and other well-known Marvel Comics creators. He has led a number of national and regional conferences and workshops exploring theological perspectives on superheroes and fantasy stories, including public lectures at several university campuses and at Comic-Con International in San Diego.
is Professor of Religious Education at Brite Divinity School. Before coming to Brite, he served as the G. Ernest Thomas Professor of Christianity and Communication at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, and Director of United’s Master of Arts in Religious Communication degree program. An ordained American Baptist minister, Dalton served several congregations prior to pursuing doctoral studies. Dr. Dalton has written numerous books and articles, includingRussell W. Dalton is Professor of Religious Education at Brite Divinity School. Before coming to Brite, he served as the G. Ernest Thomas Professor of Christianity and Communication at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, and Director of United’s Master of Arts in Religious Communication degree program. An ordained American Baptist minister, Dalton served several congregations prior to pursuing doctoral studies. Dr. Dalton has written numerous books and articles, including Marvelous Myths: Marvel Superheroes and Everyday Faith, for which he interviewed Stan Lee, Chris Claremont, and other well-known Marvel Comics creators. He has led a number of national and regional conferences and workshops exploring theological perspectives on superheroes and fantasy stories, including public lectures at several university campuses and at Comic-Con International in San Diego.
for which he interviewed Stan Lee, Chris Claremont, and other well-known Marvel Comics creators. He has led a number of national and regional conferences and workshops exploring theological perspectives on superheroes and fantasy stories, including public lectures at several university campuses and at Comic-Con International in San Diego.What makes someone a hero? What constitutes a heroic life? In the early 1960s, writer Stan Lee and artists Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko created a new kind of superhero. Their creations, including the Avengers, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Black Panther, and the X-Men, were not perfect heroes living in an uncomplicated world of good and evil, but fallible people with physical ailments and personal problems who faced difficult moral dilemmas. In recent years, the films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have broken box office records and the stories of Marvel Comics have emerged as a sort of modern-day mythology. But how do these heroes’ stories function as myths in our culture, and how do they compare to the stories of our faith? In what ways do these stories reflect and in what ways do they challenge the values of American culture? For example, in a genre in which good guys beat up bad guys, how have Marvel storytellers embraced or resisted the belief that violence can resolve our conflicts and save us? This seminar will explore these questions and more by exploring the Marvel superheroes phenomenon from the perspectives of our faith.
Registration Options
Individual Seminars @ $15.00 each In-Person Only Series Subscription (All four seminars offered in Dallas) @ $50.00 Online Only Series Subscription (All eight seminars offered Online) @ $100.00 Complete Series Subscription (All twelve seminars) @ $150.00
**Note: The ONLINE seminars (only) will be available for on demand viewing afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register?
1. Register online at www.brite.edu/stalcup
2. Call (817) 257-7589
How much is the registration fee?
Individual seminars and courses are $15.00. Or choose one of three money-saving subscriptions: In-Person Only (four seminars in Dallas for $50.00); Online Only (eight online seminars for $100.00) or the Complete Series (all twelve offerings for $150.00).
Where are classes held?
Eight seminars will be held online using Zoom, some with pre-recorded lectures. Four seminars will be held in-person at Northway Christian Church, 7202 W. Northwest Hwy., Dallas, TX.
How do I access the classes on Zoom?
Instructions for accessing the session will be sent a few days prior to the class.
What computer equipment will I need to participate?
Classes and lectures will be available through Zoom and YouTube. Zoom can be accessed from any device: Phone, Mobile Phone, Tablet, Mac or PC with a camera and/or microphone. Or, you can call in on your phone but will not have access to the video. More information is available at www.brite.edu/stalcup/ or call 817-257-7589.
What if I have never used Zoom or YouTube?
The Office of Lay and Continuing Education will be available to assist you in learning to use the tools.
What about scholarships?
In keeping with the history of the School and the mission of Brite Divinity School, we want to make the seminars available to all. If you would like to apply for financial aid, please contact our office and arrangements will be made to ensure your participation.
For in-person seminars may I register “at the door?”
Of course, but pre-registering assures a spot and a lunch.
Do the in-person classes include lunch?
Yes, a light lunch is included in the seminar.
When are classes held?
See each seminar description for dates and times.
What if I have other questions?
Please call the Office of Lay and Continuing Education at (817) 257-7589.
Please be advised that photography, video and audio recordings may be taken of events hosted by Brite Divinity School. These recordings may be displayed on Brite’s website, social media platforms or used in Brite’s marketing materials. By attending these events, hosted by Brite Divinity School, I consent to the use of my name, image or likeness, and voice for video, photographic and/or audio production and/or promotional purposes.
For online events, you have the option to turn off your camera and change your displayed name. Learn more at Zoom Support Center. If you have questions or concerns regarding this notice, please contact Vanessa Daley at (817) 257-7579.
For online events, you have the option to turn off your camera and change your displayed name. Learn more at Zoom Support Center. If you have questions or concerns regarding this notice, please contact Vanessa Daley at (817) 257-7579.
For online events, you have the option to turn off your camera and change your displayed name. Learn more at Zoom Support Center. If you have questions or concerns regarding this notice, please contact Vanessa Daley at (817) 257-7579.
For online events, you have the option to turn off your camera and change your displayed name. Learn more at Zoom Support Center. If you have questions or concerns regarding this notice, please contact Vanessa Daley at (817) 257-7579.